AUBURN, Mass. – With the Westborough High School football team heading into Friday night’s game against Auburn High School with a record of 1-8, many are predicting a blowout. However, don’t tell that to the 9-0 Auburn Rockets’ players and coaches.

“We have a lot of respect for everyone on our schedule. We’re not taking anyone lightly,” said Auburn head coach Jeff Cormier. “It’s football, and anything can happen. We know they have an outstanding quarterback, and they’re good.

“Sometimes records don’t define a team,” Cormier added. “I don’t think it defines us, and we still have to bring a great effort every week, and they’ll do the same thing. They’re not going to come in and play like a team that’s struggling. They’re going to come in and play like a team that’s hungry to win because that’s what they are.”

Westborough recently had a stunning victory over a tough Wachusett High School squad. In that Oct. 26 game, Westborough went down 14-0 but came back to win 21-20. Auburn’s players don’t want to see a repeat upset at home on Friday at 7 p.m.

“They beat Wachusett, so we’re not shying away from them,” said safety Tim Bryan, who returned an interception for a touchdown last week against Northbridge High School. “It’s the last home game for the seniors, so we’re going to be excited for Friday night. The season’s winding down, so we’re going to be excited for this game as well.”

Auburn is coming off a dominant 39-7 victory over the impressive Northbridge squad on Nov. 2. The four-time defending Super Bowl champions are on a roll this season, crushing every tough opponent on its schedule, moving to 9-0 and winning 17 straight games.

After Friday, the Rockets won’t play until Thanksgiving, heading on the road to Oxford High School for a 10 a.m. game. But before Auburn can look ahead to the traditional Thanksgiving game, the players are focusing on the 1-8 Westborough squad.

"They’re going to be a good team,” said wide receiver Dom DiCarlo. “They beat Wachusett, so we’re going to have to take them seriously. We’ll be focused and ready to go."